LPM Lesson 2 - Establishing Portfolio Strategy & Vision

Question 1

What 4 questions does a good strategy answer?

Answer 1

1. Where do we compete?
2. What unique value do we bring to win in those markets (why do customers choose us?)
3. What resources and capabilities do we utilize to deliver that value?
4. How do we sustain our unique value?

Question 2

T/F Strategy development is top down

Answer 2

False - Strategy development is bi-directional

Enterprise strategy –> Strategic Themes & Lean Budgets –> SAFe Portfolio –> Portfolio Context (KPIs, Data, Lean Budget Guardrails)–> Enterprise Strategy

Question 3

Strategic Themes are differentiating business objectives that …? (4 components)

Answer 3

1. Collaboration between LPM and Enterprise
2. Drive future state of a Portfolio
3. Connect the Portfolio to Enterprise Strategy
4. Provide context for Portfolio Vision and Lean Budgeting

Question 4

How many Key Results per Objective should there be?

Answer 4

Two to Five

Question 5

Define Objectives

Answer 5

Objectives represent Strategic Themes (differentiating business objectives) that drive the future state of a Portfolio

Question 6

What artifact defines the Value Streams and Portfolio Domain?

Answer 6

Portfolio Canvas

Question 7

Portfolio Canvas is an adaptation of what artifact?

Answer 7

Business Model Canvas

Question 8

What are the 3 sections of a Portfolio Canvas?

Answer 8

1. Value Proposition
2. Resources & Activities
3. Cost Structure & Revenue Streams

Question 9

How many pages is a Portfolio Canvas?

Answer 9

1 page

Question 10

Which investment Horizon represents retiring solutions?

Answer 10

Horizon 0 - decommission

Question 11

Which Investment Horizon represents Emerging solutions?

Answer 11

Horizon 2

Question 12

True/False - You should only use a TOWS matrix and stop using SWOT Analysis

Answer 12

False. SWOT is a great way to uncover the current situation of your value stream, product or portfolio.

Question 13

Which analysis tool is focused on creating outcomes and a better future state - TOWS or SWOT?

Answer 13

TOWS

Question 14

True/False - There can only be 1 Portfolio Canvas per Portfolio?

Answer 14

False. Portfolios may have a Current State Canvas, create multiple possible Future States (divergent thinking), before establishing a single Future State Canvas (convergent thinking).

Question 15

What does a Postcard from the Future express?

Answer 15

Postcard from the Future expresses the future state as a vision.

Takes a long view so everyone starts thinking about how to apply their strengths in order to get there.

Question 16

Name the different types of Roadmaps an Organization might maintain.

Answer 16

Portfolio Roadmap (1-3 years)
Solution Roadmap (1-3 years)
PI Roadmap (1-3 PIs)
Current Plan (8-12 weeks)
Iteration Plan (1-2 weeks)
Daily Plan (1 day)

Question 17

True/False - There is one Portfolio Roadmap for each Value Stream?

Answer 17

False - Portfolio Roadmap offers a comprehensive view across all Value Streams.

Question 18

Which 3 data points are needed to forecast an Epic’s duration?

Answer 18

1. Estimated size in Story Points for each affected ART
2. Historical velocity of the affected ARTs
3. % capacity allocation that can be dedicated to working on the Epic (as negotiated by Product/Solution management, Epic Owners and LPM team)

Question 19

What is the difference between a Market Rhythm and Market Milestone?

Answer 19

Market Rhythms are cyclical, such as holiday season or flu season. Market milestones are single points in time that have an impact to our business (change to regulations, release by competitor, etc.).

Question 20

What artifact to Market Rhythms and Milestones influence?

Answer 20

Roadmaps